VFW Post 4662 chaplain: 'When you want to go far, go together'

What follows is a copy of letter from Donald P. Grenier, chaplain of VFW Post 4662 in Warwick, to VFW National Headquarters at their request for information on communities who have stepped up to help others and in their community. In this particular regard, the greater Warwick Village and Town. The later was dated April 17, 2020.

It is virtually impossible to comprehend that we in the U.S. has virtually double the death level of 9,387 attained on June 6, 1944, at Normandy due to this dreaded virus. Yet, veterans were there to liberate, in a foreign country, people that they didn't know and have never met. Here in Warwick, the same courage respect and courage is being shown to veterans, first responders, seniors, by a group of dedicated honest and caring people that care.

Led by Carmella Borragas, leader of "Hugs for Courage," dedicated to Veterans and First Responders.

Maryanne and Mike Schmidt, Christine Little, Jim Mehling, leaders of the "Adopt a town of Warwick Senior Citizen," many of whom are veterans.

All of these people and the army of volunteers have not only become friends but needed counselors as well.

Every day when they deliver much-needed prescriptions and food, the entire group have told us repeatedly:

1. If you lose hope. "Think of a Veteran."

2. If you feel sad and depressed, "Think of a Veteran."

3. If you doubt "Think of a Veteran," and tell us that our legacy is in good hands.

All of these dedicated people are leading us in our fight against the deadly virus. We cannot delay any action or our fight, and must follow the rules of protection because if we do not we will quickly discover that we will have piled up a lot of tomorrows and the tomorrows into a whole bunch of empty yesterdays.

This why these courageous volunteer group are acting now and not tomorrow. We all realize that if you want to go fast, go alone, BUT when you want to go far, go together.

All these outstandingly good friends are taking us through these dark days and are making for us, a life a lot brighter and a world filled with hope for all of us.

In all our many languages and ethnicities, we will keep our America alive and always, through this calamity.

Thank you and bless each of you, Post VFW 4662 members, first responders and all adopted seniors of the Town of Warwick.